Whistler Real Estate Blog - Denise Brown

NON-PROFITS IN WHISTLER BENEFIT FROM $134,575 IN GRANTS

Despite being a world-class resort destination Whistler maintains a tight-knit community. The Community Enrichment Program (CEP) is one example of this, and this year the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) awarded 28 non-profits with $134,575 of grant funding through the program. This CEP, which financially supports local and non-profit organizations in Whistler that benefit the community and bring it closer to its Whistler 2020 vision, has been awarded over half a million dollars since 2014. To qualify for the grant applicants must operate a non-profit in one of the following categories: Environment, Social Service, Community Service, Recreation and Sport, or Arts and Culture.

To apply for the grant, applications are submitted and presentations…

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7 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME STRESS-FREE

If the thought of selling your home stresses you out we’ve got something for you. First, take a breath and realize the process doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you may be imagining. Many of our clients experience a stress-free and enjoyable home selling process, and we know just what it takes for you to sell your home stress-free as well. If you’ve been thinking of putting your home on the market, but don’t want it to add any unnecessary stress in your life, follow these seven simple tips.

1. Organize a home pre-inspection

The home inspection can be the most stressful part of the selling process. Unaware of any defects or problems, getting news of repairs is the last thing a seller wants to hear when a contract is on the table. By…

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THINKING FSBO? THINK AGAIN!

In a hot market like Whistler is currently experiencing, many properties are selling only days after they are listed on the market.

So it’s understandable why some homeowners might think, “Huh – that looks easy.”

Private property sales – or “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) – might seem like a simple way to save a few dollars on real estate commissions, but before you choose to go down this path, you need to understand what is at risk.

A private sale is not always easy, won’t always net you the most money, and may even expose you to potential liability. Read on to learn more.

More Exposure = More Money

The most common reason that people partake in private sales is to save money by avoiding commission. However, properties sold in a private sale…

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7 GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS FOR MOUNTAIN HOMES

You could be purchasing a home or perhaps you are looking to add value before selling. Regardless, there may be a few home improvements that need to be made for your dwelling to suit you or a prospective buyer’s needs. In recent years, there has been a shift from completing just any home renovations and many homeowners are looking to green their home as a way saving of money and lessening their carbon footprint. Wondering where to start to make your Whistler home sustainable? Here are 7 green home improvements for mountain homes!

Wood Burner

Heating your home with wood is economical and environmental. This carbon neutral method uses the power of wood to heat your home as opposed to electricity or gas. What’s more, a wood burning stove is a highly…

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WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU LIST YOUR HOME WITH LEADING EDGE REAL ESTATE TEAM WHISTLER

It’s a competitive real estate market in Whistler, and sellers are asking (rightly so) why list my property with you and not your competition? The days of sticking a sign in the yard, plopping a listing on the MLS, and hoping for it to sell are over. The industry has changed, the market has changed, and the buyers have changed. The LEADING EDGE Real Estate Team differentiates from the competition by staying on the cutting edge of these changes. We are using the latest in technology and marketing innovation to sell homes faster and for more money, delivering five star service the entire way. If you’re wondering what sets The LEADING EDGE Real Estate Team apart from the competition when listing your home, let us tell you.

Preparing the listing

The…

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Why RE/MAX?

For the last few days I have been in Las Vegas with over 5000 RE/MAX agents from around the world learning about the latest in real estate innovation, connecting and networking with fellow colleagues, and celebrating the powerful RE/MAX brand which is the strongest, most recognized and most powerful real estate brand in the world. I was honoured to be awarded the RE/MAX Titan Club distinction and can’t thank my clients, colleagues and team members who were part of my real estate success this year. I attribute much of my success to my alignment with the world’s most powerful real estate brand, and I thought I would share with you some reasons why RE/MAX really is the best in the world, and what this means for both buyers and sellers.

REMAX was founded…

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DENISE BROWN’S GUIDE TO WHISTLER PROPERTY TYPES

If you’re looking to understand the different property types available in Whistler, as well as what different zoning restrictions and covenants permit in terms of use, then you’ve come to the right place: my unofficial guide to Whistler Property Types. Here’s what you need to know.

Property Types

Chalets

A chalet is the name we use for a single-family home in Whistler. It’s perfect for the mountains, isn’t it?

Duplex

A duplex is one building with two separate dwellings, each with its own separate entrance. Usually, the dwellings are side-by-side and are connected by a shared wall. When we refer to a duplex, we typically mean one of the two units.

Triplexes and fourplexes are other terms you might here, referring to three dwellings in…

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THE PERKS OF BEING A WHISTLER LOCAL

When it comes down to it, the permanent residents of Whistler make up a small, tight-knit community and with the title of local, comes a certain set of benefits. Believe it or not, waking up to spectacular views, being surrounded by lush forests and having world-class terrain at your fingertips, is just a piece of what makes Whistler awesome. The perks of being a Whistler local extend beyond the obvious and into the very essence of community. We’ve gathered up a few of the not so obvious advantages of making Whistler the place you call home.

The Scandinave Spa

The perfect end to any day on the hill is soaking those tired muscles in a warm hot tub. The Scandinave Spa offers a more comprehensive experience that includes hot/cold baths, steam rooms,…

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NEW RULES FOR INSURED MORTGAGES

Can your mortgage pass the stress test?

A month ago, the Department of Finance announced that it had updated its regulations for insured mortgages. If you anticipate financing a property purchase with an insured mortgage, or if you will be renewing an existing insured mortgage at the end of its term, you should be aware of how these changes will affect you.

What Is an Insured Mortgage?

If you are purchasing a home with less than a 20% down payment, you are required to have mortgage insurance. This is obtained through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), which is backed by the federal government, or through one of two private insurers, Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company or Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company…

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YOUR KIDS AND SKIING

There comes a time in every Whistler parents life when their child has reached the highest level of kids ski school and can no longer attend. Since many Whistler children have skied since they could walk, this often means they are at a very young age when they have reached this milestone. What’s more, ski school has the extra bonus of getting your child on the mountain more than you could alone and providing a safe environment. If your child can no longer attend, the challenge arises of how to manage your kids and skiing. We have a few tips to help your child move from the safety of ski school to skiing smartly with friends!

Ski with a Whistle

There are many hazards that exist on the mountain and attaching a whistle to your child’s jacket could…

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